The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding high in the Western Conference, but they’ll be without their engine once again when they face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined again with abdominal strain
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and heartbeat of this Thunder squad, has officially been ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup in Phoenix due to an abdominal strain. It marks the fourth straight game he’ll miss, and the expectation is that he’ll remain out through the All-Star break.
That’s no small loss. Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of sensational this season, averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game across 49 appearances.
He’s not just putting up big numbers-he’s doing it efficiently, consistently, and in the moments that matter most. His ability to control pace, create off the dribble, and finish at all three levels has kept him firmly in the MVP conversation for a second straight year.
Thunder staying strong without their star
What’s impressive is how Oklahoma City has handled his absence. Even without their lead playmaker, the Thunder have continued to hold their ground at the top of the Western Conference standings, entering Wednesday’s game with a 41-13 record. That speaks volumes about the depth, coaching, and internal development that’s become the hallmark of this young, hungry team.
Guys like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have stepped up in recent games, and the Thunder’s ball movement and defensive intensity haven’t wavered. It’s a testament to a system that doesn’t collapse when one piece is missing-even if that piece is an MVP.
Suns looking to climb
On the other side, Phoenix enters the night sitting seventh in the West at 32-22. With the standings as tight as they are, every game matters, and the Suns know it. A win over the conference leaders-even one missing their star-would be a statement.
But make no mistake: even without Gilgeous-Alexander, this Thunder team is no easy out. They’ve shown they can weather the storm, and they’ve got the depth and defensive grit to keep stacking wins.
Tip-off in Phoenix should be a good one.